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As more states legalize online gambling, more sites offering the opportunity to play online poker for real money are opening to Americans. That leaves more Americans with a question or two about how online poker works, where to play, and, most importantly, if it's legal in their state.
There are two ways for online poker sites to offer real money poker to U.S residents, either a poker site operates from an off-shore location to provide online poker within MOST STATES of the U.S., or they must be licensed for each state where poker is legal to serve its residents.
Welcome to PokerSites.com - the premier guide to the best online poker sites of December 2020. PokerSites.com was established in 2001 as a place for players to seek out and compare the best poker websites to play at. There are hundreds of online poker sites which range from excellent to just plain awful. It has been around 13 years now have played online poker started out on fulltilt poker tournments only to lose to monster hands to the 1 outer they need, moved to 888 poker, pokerstars tower gaming ect ect and bottom line is is a bad player, if i win playing some junk hand im a donk if i lose playing aces im a donk or fish, guess my best friend is shrek and i have the voice of eddie murfy.
We'll be covering all the above and more right here on TechNightOwl. Let's start with the basics.
What States in the US Offer Online Poker for Real Money?
At present, there are only six states in the US where online poker platforms are legal: Nevada, Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and West Virginia. Let's run through how that came to be.
US Online Poker Laws
The Wire Act is a US Federal Law established in 1961 prohibiting wire communications in betting transactions. The main objective of this law was to reduce the possibility of gambling and poker games becoming a part of organized crime.
The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) took effect in 2006 when it became illegal for banks to transact with unlicensed online gambling platforms. The banks — not the players — became liable for any violation cited or observed.
These regulations shut down online poker platforms in the United States. However, both the Wire Act and UIGEA created gray areas in the law and were subject to misinterpretation. In 2012, it was one of those grey areas that led a New York federal judge to rule that the Wire Act of 1961 didn't apply to poker because it was a game of skill rather than chance.
New Jersey Online Poker Platforms
New Jersey was one of the first states in the United States to legalize online poker for real money. New Jersey Governor Chris Christie signed the legislation in 2013, less than a year after the 2012 ruling.
The requirements for any individual to play on a licensed online poker platform include:
- Age: Players must be 21 years or older
- Location: New Jersey, Delaware, and Nevada entered into a compact that went live in 2018 that allows interstate gambling. You must be physically present in one of these states to play online poker for real money in New Jersey.
- Verification: Players who sign up for online poker platforms in New Jersey must undergo a thorough verification process to determine if they are qualified to play.
Because New Jersey is one of the earliest states to legalize online gambling platforms, this state offers more poker rooms than most other states, including:
- 888poker
- Borgata
- Pala Poker
- PartyPoker
- PokerStars
- playMGM Poker
Players in New Jersey can also play on the Nevada-based poker site, WSOP.com, the primary interstate poker provider.
Delaware Online Poker Platforms
Shortly after New Jersey, Delaware also legalized online poker sites in 2013. Like NJ, players must be 21 years of age or older. Delaware also requires geo-tracking software to confirm your location.
The state currently has three online poker sites where you can play for real money: Genting casino winning tips.
- Dover Downs
- Delaware Park
- Harrington Raceway
All the above run on 888Poker software. Like in New Jersey, players in Delaware can also play on WSOP.com.
Nevada Online Poker Platforms
Nevada legalized online poker for real money right around the same time as Delaware and soon became a hub for interstate games, being the home-state of WSOP.com.
Currently, the only other poker platform in the state is Real Gaming. Ultimate Poker was previously also available in Nevada, but the platform failed in 2014.
State player requirements are similar to those in other states, with the minimum player age being 21 and geolocation mandatory, but they also add a few additional provisions:
- Player fund transfer is not permitted.
- You may only have one account on each poker platform.
Pennsylvania Online Poker Platforms
Pennsylvania was the fourth state in the United States to legalize online poker for real money with legislation taking effect in 2017.
Since Pennsylvania has one of the largest populations in the United States of over 13 million residents, online poker for real money established a massive player base. PokerStars is currently the only active online poker gambling platform in the state.
Pennsylvania has yet to join the interstate gambling compact, and so WSOP.com is not available, but efforts are in the works to change that. Numerous other land-based casinos have also been granted licenses to operate and may open platforms soon, including:
- Harrahs Philadelphia
- Hollywood Casino
- Parx Casino
- Rivers Philadelphia
- Valley Forge Casino
- Wind Creek Casino
Beyond restricting players to in-state games, the player requirements in Pennsylvania are the same as other states. You must be over 21 and allow geo-tracking software.
Michigan and West Virginia Online Poker Platforms
Michigan and West Virginia both legalized online poker for real money in 2019. However, neither state has any licensed operating poker platforms as of June 2020.
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The Stars Group, operator of PokerStars, has already taken steps to obtain a license in Michigan and is a strong contender to be the first option open in the state. West Virginia has yet to finalize its licensing regulations.
What Other States in the US Have Plans to Offer Online Poker for Real Money?
The following states have plans to legalize online gambling platforms. Some even have ongoing legislative reviews about the pros and cons of legalizing online gambling platforms.
- California
- New York
- Massachusetts
- Illinois
The Best Online Poker Platforms for Real Money
Now that you know which states you can play in and all the poker platforms available in those states, your next question is likely which should you play on—assuming you have more than one option. The best online poker platforms in the US include:
- WSOP.com
- 888Poker
- PokerStars
Let's take a quick look at each.
WSOP.com
As mentioned, WSOP.com is an interstate provider serving New Jersey, Delaware, and Nevada. They are operated by Caesars Interactive Entertainment, a name you likely recognize if you're familiar with the hotel gaming and gambling industry.
WSOP.com is the largest real-money online poker platform in the United States and is backed by the World Series of Poker. They offer fixed- and pot-limit Texas Hold'em, Omaha, and Seven Card Stud, all with Hi/Lo options. There are roughly 50 tournaments daily, some with cash prizes as high as $50,000.
The site regularly offers bonus promotions and also has a generous loyalty point program. You'll earn points online towards the Action Club Rewards Program for every game you play—win or lose. Points can be redeemed for cash.
888Poker
The second-largest online real-money poker platform, 888Poker is only available in New Jersey and Delaware. Delaware's platform is accessed via three racinos (listed above) rather than the 888Poker site directly. Nevada's WSOP.com also runs on 888Poker software, but the two aren't interconnected.
888Poker only offers Texas Hold'em and Omaha, but they do have a range of tournament and match offers, including SNAP, Blast, and Classic poker options. They have a mobile app but are also well-known for their instant-match, no-download games.
The site has many generous bonus promotions and is among the only online casinos left with a true no-deposit bonus. You'll get $1 to spend anywhere on the site, 14 free 50-cent entries, and a pending $80 bonus. You unlocked the $80 by earning points for the platform's rewards program (a cash-back offering similar to WSOP.com's rewards). For every 100 points you earn, you unlock $10. You can earn those points using the initial free credits granted to you.
PokerStars
PokerStars is Pennsylvania's only real-money online poker platform. They also operate in New Jersey and are likely to be available in Michigan soon. The site offers Limit Hold 'em, Omaha, and Seven-card stud, as well as 2-7 Triple Draw, HORSE, and Razz, though as these games are less popular, it may be harder to find a table.
There are multiple daily tournament options, including big-ticket hourly Sunday games with massive cash prizes. For instance, the Sunday Special held at 6 pm EST has a $200 buy-in and a $45,000 guaranteed pot.
Like WSOP.com and 888Poker, the site does have a rewards program. You can earn Star Coins, which can be used to purchase merchandise or free play tickets. They also match your first deposit 100% up to $600.
How to Choose the Best Online Poker Game for Real Money
With so many online poker games on the internet, it is wise, especially when the stakes involve real money, to choose the right gambling platform. Here are some factors we considered when choosing the best real-money online poker sites in the US.
Player Experience: An online gambling website or app's aesthetic, functionality, and ease of navigation should all be excellent. Ideally, you want to choose a site that doesn't make you jump through hoops to get to your desired page.
Game Selection: While not all players prefer to play multiple poker game types, we prefer sites that give you the option to do so.
Safety: Safety should be the utmost priority for any gambling, betting, or poker site. All the platforms we recommend are credible, have all the necessary licenses to operate in the US, and comply with all the regulations imposed by the states they operate in.
Bonuses: Some online poker sites provide attractive promotional and sign-up bonuses that can benefit players and give them a competitive advantage over their opponents.
What Is Global Poker?
For those who can't visit states where it is legal to play poker online for real money, Global Poker is an option. Global Poker functions similarly to any online gambling platform. The catch is instead of dealing directly with real money, there are sweepstakes, and players get a virtual currency which they can 'cash in' via PayPal. Thanks to this unique twist, it does not fall into the category of illicit activity, and anyone with an internet connection can access it anywhere within the United States.
How Much Does It Cost to Play Online Poker for Real Money?
The buy-in cost for online poker games ranges dramatically, but the average is relatively affordable. Around 50% of online poker games have an entry fee of $8 to $10. Players can even join online poker tables with buy-ins starting at $0.01 to $0.02 and $1 to $2. There are high-stakes games as well, with buy-ins closer to $100 to $200.
What Are the Payment Options for Online Poker?
There are a variety of ways to deposit money to play poker online for real money. Here is a breakdown of online banks that online gambling platforms you can trust:
Essential factors to consider when making online money transactions, especially on online gambling platforms, include:
Privacy and Security: All licensed online gambling sites are required to encrypt your information and are held to strict privacy and security regulations. Dealing with an unlicensed poker site can put you at risk for identity theft and loss of funds. Never enter your financial information on a site that asks for banking details such as pin or password.
Support: Credible online gambling platforms have 24/7 live chat support to address any questions, concerns, or issues about your financial transactions. If a site doesn't have readily accessible contact information, that's a red flag. Avoid making deposits on these sites.
Play Poker Online for Real Money
There are many advantages to playing online poker for real money. Because online games generally have significantly lower buy-ins, you have more control over your bets. Wait times are also shorter because there are endless virtual tables.
The periodic bonus offers you can grab to gain a competitive edge over other players are just icing on the cake—but remember to read the terms and conditions.
You can play poker online for real money in the comfort of your home, which makes it a great way to pass the time—no more stuffy dress codes in brick-and-mortar casinos. You can play games in your pajamas if you like!
Of course, getting the most out of these benefits requires playing on a legal, reputable real-money poker platform—and that's just what you'll find reviewed on TechNightOwl! We regularly update our content to reflect the latest online gambling,betting, and poker regulations, as well as the best real-money poker platforms in the US.
Online poker in the United States has changed drastically in the last decade. There was once a time when the biggest and best poker sites were open to US players. That's no longer the case.
American poker players have a difficult time finding a safe real money poker site to join these days, especially one that has plenty of banking options, games that run, and reasonable promotions.
Since it's so tough to find a legit site, we suggest you save yourself the time and headache by using our recommendations instead. We've listed the best USA poker sites below.
Rank | Poker Site | Exclusive Bonus | Get Started | |
---|---|---|---|---|
#1 | 888poker | 100% Up To€400 | Visit Site | Visit Site |
We'll explain how we came up with our recommendations in the next section.
Following that, we'll explain what kinds of games, software, and promotions Americans can expect to find at US-facing poker sites. We'll also share some of the biggest pros and cons to playing at these poker rooms.
The goal here is to educate you on what you can expect if you choose to play online poker from the US, which can be a gray area for many players. And we want to make sure you join the only safest and best real money poker sites.
Without further ado, let's jump right into it.
Choosing which real money USA poker sites to recommend is no easy task. While there are several sites that accept US players, only a few of them are worth your time.
What we want to do now is give you a brief explanation of why we selected the top online poker rooms to recommend to our readers. The goal is to show you that there was real effort and thought put into our reviews and ratings.
However, the following information will also help you find a real money online poker site if for some reason you don't want to choose from one of our recommendations.
Okay, so when selecting a USA poker site to join, what variables or attributes should you look for?
We believe the following three factors are the most important.
Reputation
We use multiple sources to determine a site's reputation. This includes poker forums, industry insiders, our own contacts, firsthand experience, and more.
We specifically make sure that they are properly licensed to provide online poker for real money, and that they're regulated by a reputable gambling authority.
There are two things we look for here.
The first thing we look for is whether the poker site has banking options that we can use to make a deposit. The best options today for US poker players is a credit card or Bitcoin.
The best options for cashouts are Bitcoin, followed by wire transfers, paper checks, or money transfers.
The second thing we look at is whether the poker room has a reputation for cashing out US players within a reasonable timeframe.
Traffic
Traffic or player liquidity is the next important attribute to look for. That's because poker is unique from most other forms of real money gambling in that you need other people in order to play.
There are some USA poker sites that prohibit players from certain states from joining. And you're not going to find many players from countries outside the US on these sites for various reasons.
This leads to most poker websites having hardly any traffic. These rooms aren't worth joining.
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The attributes above are the most important. However, they're not the only ones we consider when ranking the best USA poker sites. Nor should they be all the you look if you're deciding where to play real money online poker yourself.
We also recommend you consider the following.
This encompasses everything from the types of games and formats the room offers to the variants and stakes that you can play.
You'll obviously want to find a site that caters to your specific interests, whether that's playing mixed game cash games or deep stack Hold'em tournaments.
Mobile
Can you play poker on a mobile device? What's more, is the room compatible on your specific device?
The top online poker rooms, for the United States or anywhere else, should all be compatible with a wide range of mobile devices nowadays.
Do you have to download the software, or do you play from your browser? Do you have a preference?
Beyond that, you also want to look at the features the software has. For example, can you use four-color decks, auto-top off your stack, and do you have the option to set up your table layout however you want?
Promotions, Bonuses, and Rewards
- What kinds of deals can you claim?
- Can you claim a deposit bonus?
- Do they have leaderboard contests?
- Do they have free plays?
- Can you earn extra rewards through a VIP program?
The leading real money poker sites for the USA are all generous in terms of the extra value they offer players.
- What kinds of tournaments can you play?
- Are there guaranteed tournaments?
- Does the poker room offer satellites to live events?
- Do they have satellites?
We also recommend looking at previously scheduled tournaments. Did the guaranteed tournaments get enough registrants to meet the guarantee or did the poker room have to cover the difference for most of them?
If it was the latter, which is called an overlay tournament, then you should strongly consider joining. Those are valuable tournaments to play since you'll have fewer players to fight through for the same prize pool.
Does the poker room offer any kind of poker education or training? Are there any tools or resources to help you learn the game and get better at it?
This is a general idea of what we look for and the questions we ask whenever we review a poker room. We recommend you do the same. It'll ensure that you enjoy whatever US poker site you join.
One of the challenges to playing real money poker online from the US is that there's a shortlist of quality sites for you to join.
However, does that mean your options are short? Are you automatically limited on the games you can play, the features available to you, and the stakes you can play for?
That's what we want to explore in this section.
What Poker Games Can Americans Play Online?
You won't have a problem finding Texas Hold'em. That's the most popular poker game in the world. You'll also find Omaha games running too, depending on the site you join.
However, you're going to struggle to find other games such as Stud, Razz, and mixed games. These games aren't nearly as popular and there's not enough player liquidity for them to run often.
That's assuming the poker websites you join even offer them. Not all of them do.
As for stakes, most cash games will start at $0.01/$0.02 or $0.02/$0.05. The stakes don't peak as high for US players as they do players around the world. That's okay, because you'll find most games running at the micros and small stakes.
The tournaments that you can buy into cost about the same as other major tournaments at European poker sites. The difference between these tournaments, though, is that the guarantees usually aren't as large at US poker sites.
For example, you can buy into a $100k guarantee for $162 on Bovada where first place will receive around $20,000. This pales in comparison to the Sunday Million on PokerStars that you can buy into for $109 and possibly win more than $100,000 for taking the whole thing down.
The point? Well, you're risking more to win less money. That said, the upside is that we'd expect Bovada's tournament to have a smaller and softer field compared to PokerStars. That should help balance it out.
Overall, players in the United States will have a smaller selection of real money poker games to choose from. There will be fewer tournaments running and the guarantees will be smaller, too.
However, that's to be expected, considering the player pool is much smaller compared to the player pool outside the US. We don't think it's that big of a downside in the grand scheme of things anyway.
This is one area where US players won't have to compromise too much on. Several of the top US poker sites have done a great job updating their software. They look modern and offer plenty of features.
Here are a few examples of what you can expect.
- The ability to scale your tables to fit your screen. You can also tile, cascade, or stack your tables, which is handy for people who multi-table.
- You'll have the option to play five to ten tables simultaneously, and some sites allow for more.
- Most top poker sites will offer features such as four-color decks, different card designs, easily readable pot and bet sizes, multiple languages, hand history replayer, and more.
- Some rooms offer anonymous tables which is great for recreational players. You don't have to worry about sharks preying on you.
- Most sites offer built-in casino games and sportsbooks.
- You can use third party software at some poker rooms.
- You can play from your browser or download their software. Either option will be compatible with PCs AND Macs.
And more. The bottom line is that you're not getting short-changed here. The best USA poker sites for real money have done a great job with their software.
US poker sites offer plenty of promotions, too. The following are a few examples of promotions you'll be able to claim.
- Deposit Bonuses – Some of the deals we've seen include a 100% match up to $1,000 and a 100% match bonus up to $500.
- New Player Freerolls – These are tournaments that cost nothing to enter and offer a real money prize. Entry is limited to only those who signed up and made a deposit recently.
- Free Play – Get a free tournament ticket or free money to use in the poker room's casino or sportsbook.
- VIP Program – Many sites will reward you for your loyalty. Perks can include exclusive bonuses, cash back, tournament tickets, and more.
- Bad Beat Jackpots – Play on a BBJ table and you can win a piece of a jackpot if your hand (usually quad 2s or better) lose to a better hand.
And so on. The one thing you'll want to pay attention to when it comes to promotions are the playthrough terms. Specifically, you want to look at how much money you need to spend to clear every $1 or $10 of your bonus, and if there's a timeframe you need to do it in.
There are some sites that make it incredibly difficult to earn their promotions. It's one of the biggest downsides to poker promotions but you can usually avoid it if you stick with the top poker sites and do your homework first.
We also cover this information in detail in our reviews.
Online Poker Sites For Us Players
It's not easy to play real money poker online in the United States when compared to playing poker online elsewhere in the world. However, it's not impossible, especially after reading this guide.
While you might not have all the options that other players have, such as high stakes action, tons of games running, and enough traffic for games like Pineapple and HORSE to run, there's still plenty of action to be had.
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Party poker casino nj. For example, you can play Hold'em and Omaha cash games and tournaments at the micro and small stakes levels. The software you'll play on is top-notch and both serious and recreational players will be able to find a site that caters to them.
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If that sounds good to you, then the first step to getting started is to find a site to join. To ensure you enjoy playing online poker for real money, join one of the best USA poker sites.
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Here's a reminder of our top recommendations. Remember, each one has been thoroughly vetted and we're confident you'll have a good experience.